CA2450331C - Foldable swing having rotatable handle - Google Patents

Foldable swing having rotatable handle Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2450331C
CA2450331C CA002450331A CA2450331A CA2450331C CA 2450331 C CA2450331 C CA 2450331C CA 002450331 A CA002450331 A CA 002450331A CA 2450331 A CA2450331 A CA 2450331A CA 2450331 C CA2450331 C CA 2450331C
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
swing
handle
support structure
frame
seat
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA002450331A
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French (fr)
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CA2450331A1 (en
Inventor
Michael L. Longenecker
Dennis R. Stauffer
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Graco Childrens Products Inc
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Graco Childrens Products Inc
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Publication date
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Application filed by Graco Childrens Products Inc filed Critical Graco Childrens Products Inc
Publication of CA2450331A1 publication Critical patent/CA2450331A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47DFURNITURE SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
    • A47D13/00Other nursery furniture
    • A47D13/10Rocking-chairs; Indoor Swings ; Baby bouncers
    • A47D13/105Rocking-chairs; Indoor Swings ; Baby bouncers pivotally mounted in a frame

Landscapes

  • Carriages For Children, Sleds, And Other Hand-Operated Vehicles (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Chairs For Special Purposes, Such As Reclining Chairs (AREA)
  • Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
  • Holders For Apparel And Elements Relating To Apparel (AREA)
  • Special Chairs (AREA)

Abstract

ABSTRACT

A child swing includes a swing frame and a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame such that the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions. The swing may further include a swing seat and at least one hanger arm rotationally coupled to the swing frame and supporting the swing seat. The at least two positions may include a lift position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged above the rotational axis, an open access position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged rearward of the rotational axis, an entertain position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged forward of the rotational axis, and a storage position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged forward and below the rotational axis.

Description

FOLDABLE SV1I~NG HA\i'ING ROTATABLE HANDLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001 ] This invention relates to a rotatable handle for a swing. More specifically, this invention relates to a rotatable handle for a foldable child swing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
10002] Various types of child or infant swings are known in the art.
Typically, such swings include a support frame, hanger arms pivotably attached to the support frame, and a seat attached to the hanger arms.
10003] It is also known to include a handle on the swing to allow a user to carry the swing. The handle is rigidly attached to the support frame, but the swing seat can sway back-and-forth as the swing is carried, which makes the swing somewhat awkward to move.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An aspect of the present invention relates to a swing that comprises a swing frame and a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame such that the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least tyro positions. 'f he swing further may comprise a swing seat and at least one hanger arm rotationally coupled to the swing frame and supporting the swing seat. The at least two positions may include a lift position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged above the rotational axis, an open access position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged rearward of the .922254 rotational axis, an entertain position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged forward of the rotational axis, and a storage position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged forward and below the rotational axis.
X00051 According to the present invention, in the lift position, the swing handle may be locked to prevent rotation of the: swing handle relative to the swing frame. In the open access position, the swing handle may be stopped from. any further rearward rotation relative to the swing frame.' In the entertain position, a detest mechanism may frictionally resist rotational motion by the swing handle in a forward .or rearward direction relative to the swing frame. fn the storage position, the swing handle may be nested between a seat back and a seat bottom of the swing when the swing is folded.
I0006~ The swing also may comprise a handle support structure supported by the swing frame, and the swing handle may comprise a handle portion and a support interface portion. The support interface portion may be attached to the handle support structure. In addition, the handle portion may cori~prise at least one electronic device and electrical wiring extending from the at least one electronic device to the support interface portion. The electronic device may be a light producing device and/or a sound producing device. The support interface portion and the handle support structure may include at least one moving contact assembly to provide electrical contact between the handle support structure and the support interface portion, and the electrical wiring may electrically contact the at least one moving contact assembly. The moving contact assembly may be configured to maintain electrical contact over a rotational angle range as the swing handle rotates relative to the handle support structure, and this rotational angle range may correspond to the angular range about the entertain position of the swing handle.
[00071 It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTI01V OF THE pRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0009] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a swing, where the swing handle is in an entertain position, in accordance with the invention.
[0010] Figure 2 is a rear perspective, exploded, detail view of the seat back and latch of the swing seat.
[0011] Figure 3 is a rear perspective, detail view of the seat back and latch of the swing seat.
[0012] Figure 4 is a rear perspective, detail view of the inner surface of a hanger arm of the swing.
[0013] Figure 5 is a rear perspective, detail view of a hanger arm and seat back, where the seat back is in a first in-use position.
[0014] Figure 6 is a rear perspective, detail view of the hanger arm and seat back, where the seat back is in a second in-use position.
[0015] Figure 7 is a side view of the swing in the first in-use position.
[0016] Figure 8 is a side view of the swing in an intermediate fold position.
922254.

m [0017] Figure 9 is a side view of the swing in a fully folded position.
[0018] Figure 10 is an exploded, detail view of the rear leg fold mechanism.
[0019] Figure 10A is an exploded, perspective view of the leg socket member and the release lever of the rear leg fold mechanism.
[0020] Figure 11 A is a detail view of the rear leg fold mechanism in a locked, in-use position.
[0021] Figure 1 1 B is a detail view of the rear leg fold mechanism in a fold position.
[0022) Figure 12 is an exploded, detail view of a swing handle assembly in accordance with the invention.
[0023] Figure 13 is a detail view of the right-side, swing handle assembly, where the swing handle is rotated to an open access position.
[0024] Figure 14 is a front perspective view of the swing, where the swing handle is in the open access position.
[0025] Figure 15 is a detail view of the right-side, swing handle assembly, where the swing handle is rotated to an entertain position.
[0026] Figure 16 is a detail view of the right-side, swing handle assembly, where the swing handle is rotated to a lift position.
[00.27] Figure 17 is a front perspective view of the swing, where the swing handle is in the lift position.
[00281 Figure 18 is an exploded, detail view of a swing handle assembly including a moving contact assembly in accordance with the invention.
[0029] Figure 19 is a side view of a spring contact and an arc shaped contact according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0030] Figure 20 is a detail view of the right-side, swing handle assembly, where the swing handle is rotated to a storage position.
[0031] Figure 21 is a front perspective view of the swing, where the swing handle is rotated to the storage position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. An effort has been rnade to use the same reference numbers throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts, [0033] Figure 1 illustrates a swing 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The swing 1 has a foldable frame and a reclinable swing seat 20 that can be moved between a fold position, a first, upright in-use position, and a second, reclined in-use position. The swing 1 also includes a handle Ei0 that can be used to carry the swing. The handle 60 can be rotated betv~reen~at least two positions.
For example, in one embodiment, the handle 60 can be rotated between tour positions, including: an open access position during which a child can be seated in the swing, a lift and lock position during which the swing can be carried by the handle, an entertain position during which a child seated in the swing can view lights andlor othE:r play features of the handle, and a storage position during which the handle can be compactly stored when the frame is folded. The number of positions may also be more than four.

(~034] The swing 1 generally includes a support frame 10, a seat 20 having a seat back 22 and a seat bottom 24, and pair of hanger arms 30 that connect the seat 20 to the support frame 10. The seat back 22 is pivotally connected to the hanger arms 30 at pivots P1, and the seat bottom 24 is pivotally connected to the hanger arms 30 at pivots P2.
[0035] The support frame 10 generally includes front legs 12, rear legs 14, a front cross member 16 extending between the front legs 12, a rear cross member 18 extending between the rear legs 14, and first and second housings 5~. In the illustrated embodiment, the front legs 12 of the support frame 10 are fixedly connected to the respective housings 50, and the rear legs 14 of the support frame 10 are pivotally connected to the respective housings 50 to allow the swing 1 to fold, as will be explained below. Alternatively, the front legs can be pivotally connected to the respective housings, and the rear legs can be fixedly connected to the respective housings. In a further embodin-lent, both the front and rear legs can be pivotally connected to the housings. The fold swing operation will be described below in connection with Figures 7-9.
[0036) The support frame 10, in addition to supporting the support hangers 30 and ultimately the seat 20, also supports a swing handle 60, which is part of a swing handle assembly. The swing handle 60 is rotationally connected at either end to the housings 50 and to the hanger arms 30. The operation and structure of the swing handle assembly will be described below in connection with Figures 12-21.
[0037] The swing 1 also can include a power supply 52 within one of the housings 50 for supplying power to a motor to drive the motion of the swing 1 and/or for supplying power to the swing's electronic devices.
The power supply 52 may comprise, for example, a battery holder for holding batteries.

[0038] As mentioned above, the swing seal: 20 can be moved between a fold position, a first, upright in-use position, and a second, reclined in-use position. More specifically, the seat back 22 of the swing seat 20 is positionable in a first, upright in-use position, in a second, reclined in-use position in which the seat back 22 is adjusted rearward relative to its first in-use position, and in a fold position in which the seat back 22 is adjusted forward relative to its first, upright in-use position. While the frame 10 of the swing 1 is in-use, that is, erect, the seat back 22 can be positioned in its first and second in-use positions, and, when the frame 10 is folded for storage, the seat back 22 can be positioned in its fold position.
(0030] The seat recline mechanism will no~nr be described in connection with Figures 2-6. The seat recline mechanisms includes a latch 200 positioned on each side of the seat back 22 for engagement with the respective hanger arms 30. Figure 2 is a detail view of the right side of the seat back 22 and the latch 200. Although the figures generally show the structural relationship between the seat 20 and the hanger arms 30 by reference to only one hanger arm 30, it will be understood that, in the illustrated embodiment, the seat-hanger arm relationship on the left and right sides of the swing are mirror images. .
(0040] The seat back 22 includes a channel 210 molded along at least a portion of the perimeter of the rear surface 23 of the seat back 22.
Upper and lower ribs 220, 230 are positioned in the channel 210 for capturing the latch 200 therebetween. The seat back 22 also includes a slot 240 adjacent the ribs 220, 230 for receipt of a portion of the latch 200. As seen in Figure 2, the latch 200 is spaced from the pivot P1 .
(0041 ] The latch 200 has a U-shaped segment 250 configured for insertion into the channel 210 between ribs 2:20, 230, a flange 260 at one end of the U-shaped segment 250, and a locking ridge 270 at the other end of the U-shaped segment 250. The flange 260 is configured for insertion into slot 240 in a snap fit to secure the latch to the seat back 22. Figure 3 illustrates the latch 200 positioned in the channel 210 of the seat back 22, with flange 260 extending through slot 240. The locking ridge 270 is configured to engage latch-receiving members, such as ribs, on the hanger arms 30 to secure the seat back 22 in a selected in-use position.
[0042] The latch 200 also includes a segment 280 with finger bumps 282. A user can press on the finger bumps 2.82 to flex the latch 200 inwardly, about the U-shaped segment 250, ire the direction of arrow A in Figure 2 to disengage the latch from the hanger arrr~s 30. This segment 280 may be visible to the user to facilitate positioning of the seat back to a desired in-use position.
[0043] Figure 4 shows the inner surface of vthe-left-side hanger arm 30 in accordance with the invention, the right-side hanger arm 30 being a mirror image. The hanger arm 30 includes two through holes, one of which is labeled C1, to receive the pivot P1 of the seat back 22 and the pivot P2 of the seat bottom 24, respectively. (n other embodiments, the seat back 22 and the seat bottom 24 can share a common pivot, and the hanger arm can include a single hub or single through hole to receive the pivot. The hanger arm 30 also includes first and second ribs 300, 302 corresponding to the first, upright in-use position and the second, reclined in-use position, respectively. To position the seat back 22 in the first, upright in-use position, the locking ridge 270 of each latch 200 is positioned against the first rib 300 of the respective hanger arm 30, as shown in Figure 5. To position the seat back s?2 in the second, reclined in-use position, the locking ridge 270 of each latch 200 is positioned sz22s4 against the second rib 302 of the respective hanger arm 30, as shown in Figure 6.
(0044) As can be seen from Figure 2, the locking ridge 270 has a flat surface 271 and an angled surface 272, Due to the configuration of the locking ridge 270, the user only needs to actuate the latch 200 to move the seat back 22 in a rearward direction, for example, from the upright in-use position to the reclined in-use position. The user need not actuate the latch 200 to move the seat back 22 in a forward direction, for example, from the reclined in-use position to the upright in-use position. Vl/hen moving the seat back 22 forward from the reclined in-use position toward the upright in-use position, the user can grip the seat back 22 and pivot it forward, which causes the angled surface 272 to ride over the first rib 300. The latch 200 flexes inward until it passes the rib 300 and then restores to its at-rest configuration, At this point, the user can release the seat back 22 to allow the flat surface 271 to rest on the first rib 300.
The seat back 22 can be moved from the upright in-use position to the fold position in the same manner, that is, by simply gripping the seat back 22 and pivoting it forward, [0045) In addition to ribs 300, 302, each hanger arm 30 can include a rib 304 on its inner surface, forward of rib 302, to maintain the seat back 22 in the fold position. The rib 304 has a detent so that, when folded, the side of the seat back 22 comes into contact with the detent in a friction fit and is maintained in the fold position until the user pushes the seat back 22 rearward, away from the rib 304. Similarly, the hanger arms 30 each can include a rib 306 with a detent for engagement with a side of the seat bottom 24 to maintain the seat bottom 24 in a fold position when pivoted upwardly and rearwardly, toward the seat back 22.

[~046] Although only two in-use positions are shown in the figures, it will be understood that the hanger arms 30 can include additional ribs representative of additional in-use positions. I=urther, although the figures show the seat 20 suspended from a pair of hanger arms 30, the present invention envisions a swing having a single hanger arm to suspend the seat.
[0047] The latches 200 can be integrally molded as a unitary body with the seat back 22, or they can be fabricated separately from the seat back 22 and later releasabiy attached to the seat b<3ck 22 as shown in Figure 2. When fabricated separately, the latches 200 can have a different color than the seat back 22 to make them more visible to the user. In addition, the latches 200 can be fabricated from any suitable material, including plastic (such as acetal~, steel, and aluminum. When the latch 200 is fabricated from a relatively rigid material, such as a metal or metal alloy, as opposed to a flexible plastic, the latching force achieved by deformation and restoration of the plastic latch material can be accomplished by a spring appropriately located relative to the metal latch 200 and the channel 210.
[0048] The swing fold operation will now be described in connection with Figures 7-9. Figure 7 shows the swing in an in-use position, the seat back 22 in its first, reclined in-use position, and the swing handle 60 in its lift and lock position. A rear leg fold mechanism 70 is mounted to each rear !eg 14 adjacent each housing 50. To fold the swing 1, the rear leg fold mechanisms 70 are actuated by the uaer so that the rear legs 14 can pivot relative to the housings 50 toward tihe front legs 12.
(0049] Figures 10, 1 OA, 1 1 A, and 1 1 B illustrate the rear 'leg fold mechanism in more detail. The rear leg fold rrnechanism generally includes a leg socket member 72 to which the rear leg is mounted, a release lever 74, and a locking pin 76 connected to the release (ever 74. As shown in Figure 10A, the locking pin 76 of the illustrated embodiment is formed as part of the release lever 74; however, it will be understood that the locking pin 76 can be molded separately from, and then connected by a suitable fastener to, the release lever 74. The socket member 72 is rotationally mounted to the respective housing 50 about pivot P3 and rotates with the rear leg 14 between the in-use position and the fold position. The locking pin 76 of the release lever 74 is configured to be captured in slots 78, 80 in the socket member 72 and the housing 50;
respectively. The slot 78 in the socket member 72 has a slight arc to allow the pin 76 to move radially outward (when the lever 74 is squeezed) and radia(ly inward (when the lever 74 is released). The slot 78 in the housing 50 is generally C-shaped to include a lock area 82, a folded detest area 84, and a travel area 86 between the two. When the lever 74 is released, as shown in Figure 1 1 A, the pin 74 can remain located in the lower, lock area 82 and the leg 14 cannot rotate. When the lever 74 is squeezed, the pin 76 rotates into the travel area 86 in the housing slot 80, and the pin 76 rides along this track-like area as the rear leg 14 is pivoted to the fold position. Figure 8 shows the rear legs 14 in a partially pivoted position. In this position, the Pocking pin 76 is located in travel area 86. When the rear leg 14 is completely folded, as shown iri Figure 1 18, the pin 76 is free to move to the folded detest area 84 to lock the leg 14 in place. This area 84 has a lead out angled surface 88 that creates a detest or soft lock. Because there is no positive lock in this area 84, the legs 14 can be moved to the in-use position without squeezing the lever 74. The degree of the angled surface 88 will determine the amount of force needed to move the legs 14 to the in-use position. Although the figures show fold mechanisms associated with the rear legs, it is envisioned that, in an alternative swing arrangement, the fold mechanisms could be associated with the front legs.

[0050] 1n addition to the pivoting of the rear' legs 14, the swing handle 60 is pivoted during the fold operation. The swing handle 60 is pivoted from an in-use position (one of the open access position, the lift and lock position, and the entertain position) to the storage position, in the direction of arrow B in Figure 8. The swing handle 60 can be moved to the storage position either before or after folding of the rear legs 14.
[005'1] Once the swing handle 60 is in the storage position, the seat back 22 and the seat bottom 24 are pivoted tc~ their fold positions. That is, the seat back 22 and the seat bottom 24 are pivoted toward each other until the back and bottom 22, 24 frictionally Ongage the detents of the respective ribs 304, 306 on the inner surface of the hanger arms 30.
The swing handle 60 nests between the seat back 22 and bottom 24 when all three structures are folded. Figure 9 illustrates the swing 1 in its fully folded position.
10052] if the user wants to carry the folded swing 1, the user can maintain the swing handle 60 in the lift and lock position shown in Figure 7 and fold the remaining swing structures, including the rear legs 14, the seat back 22, and the seat bottom 24. In this regard, the swing handle assembly operates independently of the remaining fold structures.
[0053] Figure 12 illustrates a swing handle assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Such a swing handle assembly 7 00 is present at each end of the swing handle 60 to mount the swing handle 60 to the frame 7 0 (shown in Figure 1 ). The swing handle assembly 100 includes an end of the swing handle 60 and a handle support structure 110. The handle support structure 1 10 is positioned within a respective housing 50 (shown in Figurel ), and it may be integrally molded with the housing 50 or may be attachable to the housing 50. . The swing handle 60 is rotationally coupled to the handle support structure 1 10 such that the swing handle 60 may rotate about a handle rotational axis RA between at least two positions. In addition, the swing handle 60 may include a number of electronic devices 162, as shown in Figure 1.
(0054] The swing handle 60 may comprise a handle portion 1 12 and a support interface portion 1 14. The support interface portion 1 14 is the portion of the swing handle 60 that is attached to the handle support structure 1 10. The support interface portion 114 is positioned within the respective housing 50 ishown in Figurel j.
[0055] Figure 13 illustrates the swing handle 60 rotated relative to the handle support structure 1 10 so that the swing handle 60 is in an open access position. 1n this position, a central portion of the swing handle 60, which includes the centre! portion of the handle portion 112, is arranged rearward of the rotations! axis of the handle 60. In this application forward of the rotational axis is toward a front of-the swing 1 and rearward of the rotational axis is toward the rear of the swing 1.
[0056] In this open access position, access to the seat 20 is easily facilitated because the swing handle 60 is out of the way relative to the seat 20, as illustrated in Figure 14. A child may be easily placed within the seat 20 while the swing handle 60 is rotated rearward. In this open access position, the swing handle 60 is stopped from any further rearward rotation relative to the handle support structure 1 10 and the frame 10. The swing handle 60 is stopped relative to the support structure 1 10 when a handle stop 120 on the handle 60 meets a support stop 122 on the handle support structure 110.
[0057] Referring to Figure 13, the handle stop 120 is located on an outer peripheral wall 124 of the support interface portion 114. The handle stop 120 may be shaped, for example, as a protrusion with a flat edge facing the support stop 122 when in contact with the support stop 122. The support stop 122 may !~e shaped, for example, as a protrusion with a flat edge facing the handle stop 120 when in contact with the handle stop 120. In particular, the support stop 122 may be generally L-shaped with a radial rib 121 of the L facing the handle stop 120. The radial rib 120 extends radially from the axis of rotation. The radial rib 121 contacts the handle stop 120 when the handle stop 120 meets the support stop 122. The support stop 122 may also include a circumferential rib 123 extending in a circumferential direction relative to the axis of rotation. In this respect, the support stop 122 has a dual function: to facilitate positioning of the swing handle 60 in the open access position, as explained above, and to facilitate positioning of the swing handle 60 in the entertain position, as will be explained below.
(0058) Rotation of the swing handle, 60 relative to the handle support structure 110 to the entertain position is now described with reference to Figures 1, 12, and 15. Figure 15 illustrates the swing handle 60 rotated relative to the handle support structure 110 so that the swing handle 60 is in an entertain position. In this position, a central portion of the swing handle 60 is arranged forward of the rotationaV axis of the swing handle 60, when the swing handle 60 is arranged as part of the swing. The swing handle 60 and handle support structure 1 l0 are configured so that, when the swing handle 60 is in this entertain position, the central portion of the swing handle 60 is positioned above and/or in front of a child seated in the swing. Thus, the child would be able to easily view the swing handle 60 and any toys and/or electronic stimuli associated with the handle 60. In this regard, the swing handle 60 may include features to entertain the child. As described further below, the swing handle may include electronic devices 162 (shown in Figure 1 ) to provide lights and/or sounds far entertainment.

[0~59] To maintain the swing handle 60 in the entertain position, the support interface portion 114 includes a detest mechanism that fractionally resists rotational motion by the swing handle 60 in a fiorward or rearward direction relative to the handle support structure 110 and the swing frame 10. The detest mechanism may comprise, for example, one or more detests on one of the support interface portion 1 14 of the swing handle 60 and the handle support structure 110. The other of the support interface portion 114 and the handle support structure 1 10 includes a protrusion, as part of the detest mechanism, arranged such that when the swing handle 60 is rotated in a first direction relative to the handle support structure 110 and the decent and the protrusion meet, the decent fractionally resists rotational motion by the swing handle 60 in the first direction or in a direction opposite to the first direction.
[0060) Figure 15 illustrates an example where the detest 150 is on the support interface portion 114 of the swing handle 60. In this case, the support stop 122 may serve as the protrusion that fractionally resists the detest 150 when the detest 150 and the support stop '! 22 meet.
Alternatively, the protrusion may be other than the support stop 122.
(0061) The support stop 122 may be generally L-shaped, as described above with respect to Figures 12 and 13. The radial rib 121 of the L
extends radially from the center of rotation and acts to stop the handle stop 124, as explained with respect to the open access position of Figure 13. The radial rib 121 may be angled such that its radially distance from the rotation axis increases along the rotation axis, The circumferential rib 123 of the L extends circumferentially and engages the detest 150 to provide frictional engagement between the support stop 122 and the detest 150 as the detest 150 moves along the aupport stop 122. The circumfierential rib 123 and the height of the detest 150 are set to provide sufficient resistance to rotation to hold the swing handle 60 in the sz~2sa.

~ltty. Dkt. No.: 061270-0613 entertain position, but not so much resistance as to make it difficult to rotate the handle out of the entertain position. Figure 1 illustrates the swing with the handle 60 in the entertain position.
(0062] Rotation of the swing handle 60 relative to the handle support structure 110 to the lift position is now described with respect to Figures 12, 16, and 17. Figure 17 illustrates the swing handle 60 rotated relative to the handle support structure 1 10 so that the swing handle 60 is in the lift position. In this position, a central portion of the swing handle 60 is arranged generally above the rotational axis of the swing handle 60, when the swing handle is arranged as part of the swing. . In this lift position, the swing handle 60 is locked relative to the handle support structure 1 10 and frame 10. The swing 1 may be lifted by grasping the swing handle 60 and lifting. Because the rotational motion of the swing handle 60 is locked relative to the swing frame 10, the swing 1 may be more easily carried without awkwardness otherwise caused by freely swinging motion of the swing frame 10 relative to the swing handle 60.
(0063] The swing handle may be locked relative to the swing frame 10 and handle support structure 1 10 by means of a protrusion and matching recess. For example, one of the support interface portion 1 14 of the swing handle 60 and tfie handle support structure 110 may include a protrusion, and the other of the support interface portion 1 14 and the handle support structure 1 10 may include a recess matched to the protrusion such that, when the protrusion is within the recess, the swing handle 60 is locked relative to the handle support structure 110. The locking mechanism of the protrusion and recess may also incorporate a user-activated lock.
(0064] Figures 12 and 16 illustrate an example where the protrusion 160 is on an inner peripheral wall 164 of the support interface portion .922254 114 of the swing handle 60, and the recess 162 is on an outer peripheral wail 166 of the handle support structure 1 10. When the swing handle 60 is rotated such that the protrusion 160 lines up with recess 162, the handle 60 may be grasped and lifted so that thie protrusion 160 enters the recess 162, and further rotational motion of the swing handle 60 relative to the handle support structure 1 10, in either rotational direction, 'is prevented. The locking of the handle 60 relative to the handle support structure 1 7 0 may be released by lowering the handle 60 (such as by pushing on the handle 60? relative to the handle support structure 1 7 0 to disengage the protrusion 160 from the recess 'I 62. Figure 17 illustrates the swing with the handle 60 in the lift position.
[0065] The lift and lock mechanism described above with the matching protrusion and recess provides a number of advantages. Locking action is transparent to the user with no secondary action required. Moreover, the design uses few moving parts and is easy to assemble. Further, cast effective materials can be used to achieve the desired function.
[OOfi6] Rotation of the swing handle 60 relative to the handle support structure 1 10 to the storage position is now described with respect to Figures 12, 20, and 21. Figure 21 illustrates the swing handle 60 rotated relative to the handle support structure 1 10 so that the swing handle 60 is in a storage position. In the storage position, the rotational motion of the swing handle 60 relative to the handle support structure 110 need not be stopped, locked, or frictionally resisted by structures on the swing handle 60 andlor handle support structure 1 10, because the relative rotation is prevented by resting of the swing handle 60 between the seat back 22 and the seat bottom 24 of the seat 20. The swing- handle 60 may be nested between the seat back 22 and the seat bottom 24 of the seat 20, when the swing is in a folded position.

(0067] According to one embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 12, the handle 60 and handle support structure 110 include structure to allow the handle 60 to be snapped onto the handle support structure 110, and thereafter the handle 60 is rotationally fixed to the handle support structure 110. In this regard, the outer peripheral wall 166 of the handle support structure 1 10 includes a snap finger 180.
When the handle 60 is assembled to the handle support structure 110 such that the inner peripheral wall 164 of the support interface section 1 14 passes over and past the snap finger 180, the snap finger 180 extends radiaily outward and beyond a lip 182 of the inner peripheral wall 164. This extension of the snap finger 180 beyond the lip 182 prevents the handle 60 from being slid off of the handle support structure 1 10.
[00681 Figures 18 and 19 illustrate another aspect of the invention wherein electrical wiring 161 extends from the handle portion 1 12 of the swing handle 60 into and through the support structure 1 10 so that electronic devices 162 (see Figure 1 ) on the handle portion 112 may be powered by a power supply not in the handle portion 1 12, but in one of the housings 50.
(0069] The wiring 161 extends into a cavity '164 within the handle portion 1 12 to the electronic devices 162 on the handle portion 1 12. The electronic devices may be, for example, fight producing electronic devices andlor sound producing electronic devices. For example, if the electronic devices 162 are for the entertainment of a child in the swing, one or more of the electronic devices 162 may be a colored light shaped as a pleasing design for a child, such as a star or a cat. The electronic devices 162 may also produce sounds instead of, or in addition to, light. For example, if the electronic device is a colored light shaped as a cat, the device may also produce a "meow" sound. One or more of the electronic devices 162 may also produce sounds such as music, for example.

.922254 Cfl07fl] The support interface portion 1 14 may include an outer peripheral wall 170 adjacent the handle portion 1 12. In order to pass the wiring 161 from the cavity 164 of the handle portion 1 12 to the support interface portion 1 14 of the handle 60, the outer peripheral wall 170 may include a slot 171. The slot 171 allows for an electrical. connection between the handle portion 1 12 and the interface portion 1 14. An electrical connection or contact between the support interface portion 1 14 and the handle support structure 1 10 may be implemented by means of at least one moving contact assembly.
(0071] Beneficially the moving contact assembly allows electronics to be powered in a movable handle, i.e., the handle 60, through wiring passing through a rotating joint, i.e., the joint of the support interface portion 114 and the handle support structure 110.
(0072] The moving contact assembly may comprise a generally arc shaped contact 172 on the handle support structure 1 10 and at feast one spring contact 174 on the support interface portion 1 14. The spring contacts 174 are adapted to electrically contact the generally arc shaped contact 172 as the swing handle 60 rotates relative to the handle support structure 110.
(0073] The generally arc shaped contact 172 may comprise a printed circuit board or conductive ink formed on a surface of the handle support structure 110, for example, ff the generally arc shaped contact 172 comprises a printed circuit board, the handle support structure 1 10 may comprise a board mounting slot, so that the printed circuit board may be fixedly attached to the handle support structure 1 10 via the board mounting slot by snapping into the slot. Alternately the printed circuit board may be fixedly attached to the handie support structure 1 10 by .922254 screws or glue. The wiring 1 fi0 electrically contacts the generally arc shaped contact 172 via spring contacts 174.
[0074] The spring contacts 174 may be formed of any appropriate material, and may be, for example, formed of a sheet metal stamping, conductive plastic, or graphite, for example.
[0075] The spring contacts 174 may pass through respective slots of the at least one slot 178 on the support interface portion 1 14. The wiring 161 rnay we attached to the support interface portion 1 14 by wrapping the wiring 161 around respective support posts 301. The spring contacts 174 may be attached to the wiring 161 using a contact snap 180 attached to the support interface portion 1 14. Power supply wiring (not shown) may then extend from the generally arc shaped contact 172 to the power supply 52 (shown in Figure 1 ).
[00761 The moving contact assembly comprising the generally arc shaped contact 172 and the spring contacts 174 provides an electrical contact between the generally arc shaped contact 172 and the spring contacts 174 as the swing handle 60 is rotated relative to the handle support structure 1 10. The arc length of the generally arc shaped contact 172 determines the rotational range over which electrical contact is maintained between the generally arc shaped contact 172 and the spring contacts 174, and thus the range over which power is supplied to the electronic devices 162. Because the electrical devices 162 rnay need to operate only over a limited rotational range of the handle 60, limiting the arc length of the generally arc shaped contact 172 is possible, and the limited size of the generally arc shaped contact 172 may beneficially reduce its cost. The electrical devices 162 may need to operate only over a rotational range where the swing handle 60 rotates over a certain angle forward and .rearward of the entertain position, for example. In one embodiment, the position and arc length of the generally arc shaped contact 172 is configured so that the electrical devices 162 work at the lift position and at ~60 degrees from the lift position, where + 60 degrees includes the entertain position.
[0077] As an alternative, the swing handle 60 itself may contain a battery support structure for containing batteries and providing power to the electronic devices 162 on the swing handle 60. In this case, the swing handle 60 need not include wiring to the power supply 52 within the housing 50.
[0078] The preferred embodiments have been set forth herein far the purpose of illustration. This description, however, should not be deemed to be a limitation on the scope of the invention. 'Various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the claimed inventive concept. The true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

.szz2sa

Claims (89)

1. A swing comprising:
a swing frame;
a swing seat;
at least one hanger arm rotationally coupled to the swing frame and supporting the swing seat;
a motor mounted to the swing frame to drive the motion of the at least one hanger arm and the swing seat; and a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame such that the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions.
2. The swing of claim 1, wherein the at least two positions include a lift position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged above the rotational axis.
3. The swing of claim 2, wherein the swing handle is locked to prevent rotation of the swing handle relative to the swing frame.
4. The swing of claim 1, wherein the at least two positions include an open access position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged rearward of the rotational axis.
5. The swing of claim 4, wherein the swing handle is stopped from any further rearward rotation of the swing handle relative to the swing frame.
6. The swing of claim 1, wherein the at least two positions include an entertain position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged forward of the rotational axis.
7. The swing of claim 6, wherein a detent mechanism frictionalty resists rotational motion by the swing handle in a forward or rearward direction relative to the swing frame.
8. The swing of claim 1, wherein the at least two positions include a storage position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged forward and below the rotational axis.
9. The swing of claim 8, wherein the swing handle is nested between a seat back and seat bottom of the swing when the seat is folded.
10. The swing of claim 1, further comprising:
a handle support structure supported by the swing frame, and wherein the swing handle comprises a handle portion and a support interface portion, the support interface portion attached to the handle support structure.
11. The swing of claim 10, wherein the handle portion comprises at least one electronic device and electrical wiring extending from the at least one electronic device to the support interface portion.
12. The swing of claim 11, wherein the at least one electronic device comprises at least one of a light producing device and a sound producing device.
13. The swing of claim 11, wherein the support interface portion and the handle support structure include at least one moving contact assembly to provide electrical contact between the handle support structure and the support interface portion, and wherein the electrical wiring electrically contacts the at least one moving contact assembly.
14. The swing of claim 13, wherein the moving contact assembly is configured to maintain electrical contact over a rotational angle range as the swing handle rotates relative to the handle support structure.
15. The swing of claim 14, wherein the rotational angle range corresponds to the angular range about an entertain position of the swing handle.
16. The swing of claim 11, further comprising:
a housing supported by the frame, the housing containing a power supply, wherein the electrical wiring electrically connects the at least one electronic device to the power supply through the support interface portion.
17. The swing of claim 1, wherein the swing frame comprises a handle support structure, and wherein the swing handle is rotationally coupled to the frame at the handle support structure.
18. The swing of claim 17, wherein the handle support structure includes a snap finger and the swing handle includes a lip, such that, when the swing handle is slid onto the handle support structure, the snap finger engages the lip to prevent the swing handle from being slid off the handle support structure.
19. The swing of claim 17, wherein one of the swing handle and the handle support structure includes a protrusion, and the other of the swing handle and the handle support structure includes a recess matched to the protrusion such that, when the protrusion is within the recess, the swing handle is locked to prevent rotation relative to the handle support structure.
20. The swing of claim 17, wherein one of the swing handle and the handle support structure includes a detent, and the other of the swing handle and the handle support structure includes a protrusion arranged such that, when the swing handle is rotated in a first direction relative to the handle support structure and the detent and the protrusion meet, the detent frictionally resists rotational motion by the swing handle in the first direction or in a direction opposite to the first direction.
21. The swing of claim 17, wherein the swing handle comprises a handle stop and the handle support structure comprises a support stop arranged such that, when the handle is rotated in a first direction relative to the handle support structure and the handle stop and support stop meet, further rotational motion of the swing handle relative to the handle support structure is prevented.
22. The swing of claim 20, wherein the swing handle comprises a handle stop and the handle support structure comprises a support stop arranged such that, when the handle is rotated in a first direction relative to the handle support structure and the handle stop and support stop meet, further rotational motion of the swing handle relative to the handle support structure is prevented.
23. The swing of claim 22, wherein the handle support structure includes one rib extending radially from the handle rotational axis and another rib extending circumferentially relative to the handle rotational axis, and wherein the protrusion comprises the rib extending circumferentially.
24. The swing of claim 17, wherein the swing handle comprises a handle portion and a support interface portion, the support interface portion attached to the handle support structure.
25. The swing of claim 24, wherein the support interface portion includes an outer peripheral wall.
26. The swing of claim 25, wherein the handle portion includes an interior cavity, and the outer peripheral wall includes a slot exposing the interior cavity.
27. The swing of claim 26, wherein the handle portion comprises at least one electronic device and electrical wiring extending from the at least one electronic device through the slot.
28. The swing of claim 27, wherein the at least one electronic device comprises at least one of a light producing device and a sound producing device.
29. The swing of claim 24, wherein the handle portion comprises at least one electronic device and electrical wiring extending from the at least one electronic device to the support interface portion.
30. The swing of claim 29, wherein the at least one electronic device comprises at least one of a light producing device and a sound producing device.
31. The swing of claim 29, wherein the support interface portion and the handle support structure include at least one moving contact assembly to provide electrical contact between the handle support structure and the support interface portion, and wherein the electrical wiring electrically contacts the at least one moving contact assembly.
32. The swing of claim 31, wherein the moving contact assembly maintains electrical contact over a rotational angle range as the swing handle rotates relative to the handle support structure.
33. The swing of claim 32, wherein the rotational angle range corresponds to the angular range about an entertain position of the swing handle.
34. The swing of claim 31, wherein the at least one moving contact assembly comprises a generally arc shaped contact on the handle support structure, and an at least one spring contact on the support interface portion, and wherein the at least one spring contact is adapted to electrically contact the generally arc shaped contact as the swing handle rotates relative to the handle support structure.
35. The swing of claim 34, wherein the support interface portion comprises at least one contact slot, the at least one spring contact extending to the generally arc shaped contact through the at least one contact slot.
36. The swing of claim 34, wherein the generally arc shaped contact comprises one of a printed circuit board and conductive ink.
37. The swing of claim 36, wherein the generally arc shaped contact comprises a printed circuit board, the handle support structure comprises a board mounting slot, and the printed circuit board is fixedly attached to the handle support structure via the board mounting slot.
38. The swing of claim 34, wherein the at least one spring contact comprises at least one of a formed wire, sheet metal stamping, conductive plastic, and graphite.
39. The swing of claim 34, wherein the support interface portion comprises a snap, and the spring contact is attached to the support interface portion via the snap.
40. The swing of claim 1, wherein the frame includes first and second front legs, first and second rear legs, and first and second housings, wherein the first and second rear legs are pivotally connected to the first and second housings, respectively.
41. The swing according to claim 40, wherein the frame further includes a rear leg fold mechanism that pivotally connects the first and second rear legs to the first and second housings, respectively.
42. The swing according to claim 41, wherein the rear leg fold mechanisms each include a leg socket member to which the respective rear leg is mounted, a release lever, and a locking pin connected to the release lever.
43. The swing according to claim 42, wherein the first and second housings each include a slot for receiving the respective locking pin, the slot including a lock area, a folded detent area, and a travel area therebetween.
44. A swing comprising:
a swing frame;
a swing seat;
at least one hanger arm connecting the swing seat to the swing frame;

a motor mounted to the swing frame to drive the motion of the at least one hanger arm and the swing seat; and a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame and extending over the swing seat, wherein the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions.
45. The swing of claim 44 wherein the at least one hanger arm is rotationally coupled to the swing frame and supports the swing seat.
46. The swing of claim 44, wherein the at least two positions include a lift position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged above the rotational axis.
47. The swing of claim 44, wherein the at least two positions include an open access position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged rearward of the rotational axis.
48. The swing of claim 44, wherein the -at least two positions include an entertain position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged forward of the rotational axis.
49. The swing of claim 44, wherein the swing frame comprises a handle support structure, and wherein the swing handle is rotationally coupled to the swing frame at the handle support structure.
50. The swing of claim 49, wherein the handle support structure includes a snap finger and the swing handle includes a lip, such that, when the swing handle is slid onto the handle support structure, the snap finger engages the lip to prevent the swing handle from being slid off the handle support structure.
51. The swing of claim 49, wherein one of the swing handle and the handle support structure includes a protrusion, and the other of the swing handle and the handle support structure includes a recess matched to the protrusion such that, when the protrusion is within the recess, the swing handle is locked to prevent rotation relative to the handle support structure.
52. The swing of claim 49, wherein one of the swing handle and the handle support structure includes a detent, and the other of the swing handle and the handle support structure includes a protrusion arranged such that, when the swing handle is rotated in a first direction relative to the handle support structure and the detent and the protrusion meet, the detent frictionally resists rotational motion by the swing handle in the first direction or in a direction opposite to the first direction.
53. The swing of claim 52, wherein the swing handle comprises a handle stop and the handle support structure comprises a support stop arranged such that, when the handle is rotated in a first direction relative to the handle support structure and the handle stop and support stop meet, further rotational motion of the swing handle relative to the handle support structure is prevented.
54. The swing of claim 53, wherein the handle support structure includes one rib extending radially from the handle rotational axis and another rib extending circumferentially relative to the handle rotational axis, and wherein the protrusion comprises the rib extending circumferentially.
55. The swing of claim 49, wherein the swing handle comprises a handle stop and the handle support structure comprises a support stop arranged such that, when the handle is rotated in a first direction relative to the handle support structure and the handle stop and support stop meet, further rotational motion of the swing handle relative to the handle support structure is prevented.
56. A swing comprising:
a swing frame;
a swing seat;
at least one hanger arm connecting the swing seat to the swing frame;
a motor mounted to the swing frame to drive the motion of the at least one hanger arm and the swine seat; and a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame such that the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions wherein the at least two positions include a lift position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged above the rotational axis and wherein the swing handle is locked to prevent rotation of the swing handle relative to the swing frame.
57. A swing comprising:
a swing frame;
a swing seat;
at least one hanger arm connecting the swing seat to the swing frame;
a motor mounted to the swing frame to drive the motion of the at least one hanger arm and the swing seat; and a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame such that the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions wherein the at least two positions include an open access position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged rearward of the rotational axis and wherein the swing handle is stopped from any further rearward rotation of the swing handle relative to the swing frame.
58. A swing comprising:
a swing frame;
a swing seat;
at least one hanger arm connecting the swing seat to the swing frame;
a motor mounted to the swing frame to drive the motion of the at least one hanger arm and the swine seat; and a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame such that the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions wherein the at least two positions include an entertain position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged forward of the rotational axis and wherein a detent mechanism frictionally resists rotational motion by the swing handle in a forward or rearward direction relative to the swing frame.
59. A swing comprising:
a swing frame;
a swing seat; and a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame and extending over the swing seat, wherein the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions, and wherein the at least two positions include a storage position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged forward and below the rotational axis.
60. A swing comprising:
a swing frame; and a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame such that the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions, wherein the at least two positions include a storage position wherein a central portion of the swing handle is arranged forward and below the rotational axis and wherein the swing handle is nested between a seat back and seat bottom of the swing when the seat is folded.
61. A swing comprising:
a swing frame;
a swing seat;
at least one hanger arm connecting the swing seat to the swing frame;
a motor mounted to the swing frame to drive the motion of the at least one hanger arm and the swing seat;
a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame such that the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions; and a handle support structure supported by the swing frame, and wherein the swing handle comprises a handle portion and a support interface portion, the support interface portion attached to the handle support structure.
62. A swing comprising:
a swing frame;
a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame such that the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions; and a handle support structure supported by the swing frame, wherein the swing handle comprises a handle portion and a support interface portion, the support interface portion attached to the handle support structure, and wherein the handle portion comprises at least one electronic device and electrical wiring extending from the at least one electronic device to the support interface portion.
63. The swing of claim 62, wherein the at least one electronic device comprises at least one of a light producing device and a sound producing device.
64. The swing of claim 62, wherein the support interface portion and the handle support structure include at least one moving contact assembly to provide electrical contact between the handle support structure and the support interface portion, and wherein the electrical wiring electrically contacts the at least one moving contact assembly.
65. The swing of claim 64, wherein the moving contact assembly is configured to maintain electrical contact over a rotational angle range as the swing handle rotates relative to the handle support structure.
66. The swing of claim 65, wherein the rotational angle range corresponds to the angular range about the entertain position of the swing handle.
67. The swing of claim 62, further comprising: a housing supported by the swing frame, the housing containing a power supply, wherein the electrical wiring electrically connects the at least one electronic device to the power supply through the support interface portion.
68. A swing comprising:
a swing frame including a handle support structure;
a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame such that the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions, wherein the swing handle is rotationally coupled to the frame at the handle support structure, and wherein the swing handle comprises a handle portion and a support interface portion, the support interface portion attached to the handle support structure.
69. The swing of claim 68, wherein the support interface portion includes an outer peripheral wall.
70. The swing of claim 69, wherein the handle portion includes an interior cavity, and the outer peripheral wall includes a slot exposing the interior cavity.
71. The swing of claim 70, wherein the handle portion comprises at least one electronic device and electrical wiring extending from the at least one electronic device through the slot.
72. The swing of claim 71, wherein the at least one electronic device comprises at least one of a light producing device and a sound producing device.
73. The swing of claim 68, wherein the handle portion comprises at least one electronic device and electrical wiring extending from the at least one electronic device to the support interface portion.
74. The swing of claim 73, wherein the at least one electronic device comprises at least one of a light producing device and a sound producing device.
75. The swing of claim 73, wherein the support interface portion and the handle support structure include at least one moving contact assembly to provide electrical contact between the handle support structure and the support interface portion, and wherein the electrical wiring electrically contacts the at least one moving contact assembly.
76. The swing of claim 75, wherein the moving contact assembly maintains electrical contact over a rotational angle range as the swing handle rotates relative to the handle support structure.
77. The swing of claim 76, wherein the rotational angle range corresponds to the angular range about the entertain position of the swing handle.
78. The swing of claim 75, wherein the at least one moving contact assembly comprises a generally arc shaped contact on the handle support structure, and at least one spring contact on the support interface portion, and wherein the at least one spring contact is adapted to electrically contact the generally arc shaped contact as the swing handle rotates relative to the handle support structure.
79. The swing of claim 78, wherein the support interface portion comprises at least one contact slot, the at least one spring contact extending to the generally arc shaped contact through the at least one contact slot.
80. The swing of claim 78, wherein the generally arc shaped contact comprises one of a printed circuit board and conductive ink.
81. The swing of claim 80, wherein the generally arc shaped contact comprises a printed circuit board, the handle support structure comprises a board mounting slot, and the printed circuit board is fixedly attached to the handle support structure via the board mounting slot.
82. The swing of claim 78, wherein the at least one spring contact comprises at least one of a formed wire, sheet metal stamping, conductive plastic, and graphite.
83. The swing of claim 78, wherein the support interface portion comprises a snap, and the at least one spring contact is attached to the support interface portion via the snap.
84. A swing comprising:
a swing frame; and a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame such that the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions, wherein the swing frame includes first and second front legs, first and second rear legs, and first and second housings, wherein the first and second rear legs are pivotally connected to the first and second housings, respectively.
85. The swing according to claim 84, wherein the swing frame further includes a rear leg fold mechanism that pivotally connects the first and second rear legs to the first and second housings, respectively.
86. The swing according to claim 85, wherein the rear leg fold mechanisms each include a leg socket member to which the respective rear leg is mounted, a release lever, and a locking pin connected to the release lever.
87. The swing according to claim 86, wherein the first and second housings each include a slot for receiving the respective locking pin, the slot including a lock area, a folded detent area, and a travel area therebetween.
88. A swing comprising:
a swing frame; and a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame such that the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions, wherein the at least two positions include a lift position wherein the swing handle is lockable relative to the swing frame by lifting the swing handle relative to the swing frame.
89. A swing comprising:
a swing frame; and a swing handle rotationally coupled to the swing frame such that the swing handle may rotate about a handle rotational axis between at least two positions, wherein the swing frame includes first and second rear legs and first and second housings, wherein the first and second rear legs are pivotally connected to the first and second housings, respectively.
CA002450331A 2002-11-26 2003-11-20 Foldable swing having rotatable handle Expired - Fee Related CA2450331C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

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US10/304,054 2002-11-26
US10/304,054 US6896624B2 (en) 2002-11-26 2002-11-26 Foldable swing having rotatable handle
US10/304,014 US6645080B1 (en) 2002-11-26 2002-11-26 Foldable swing with seat recline mechanism
US10/685,706 US6902489B2 (en) 2002-11-26 2003-10-16 Foldable swing with seat recline mechanism

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CA2450331C true CA2450331C (en) 2008-08-26

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CA002450516A Abandoned CA2450516A1 (en) 2002-11-26 2003-11-25 Foldable swing with seat recline mechanism

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EP (3) EP1459656B1 (en)
CN (2) CN100446699C (en)
AT (3) ATE367850T1 (en)
CA (2) CA2450331C (en)
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DE60315112D1 (en) 2007-09-06
EP1424112A2 (en) 2004-06-02
ATE367850T1 (en) 2007-08-15
EP1424112B1 (en) 2009-03-25
DE60326804D1 (en) 2009-05-07
CA2450516A1 (en) 2004-05-26
CA2450331A1 (en) 2004-05-26
DE60315112T2 (en) 2008-04-10
US6902489B2 (en) 2005-06-07
EP1424113A3 (en) 2004-08-04
EP1424113B1 (en) 2007-07-25
ES2287423T3 (en) 2007-12-16
US20040198512A1 (en) 2004-10-07
US7052403B2 (en) 2006-05-30
ATE426443T1 (en) 2009-04-15
CN1511490A (en) 2004-07-14
ATE394971T1 (en) 2008-05-15
DE60320930D1 (en) 2008-06-26
CN100446699C (en) 2008-12-31
EP1424113A2 (en) 2004-06-02
US20040102252A1 (en) 2004-05-27
EP1424112A3 (en) 2004-08-11
US20040198511A1 (en) 2004-10-07
US6645080B1 (en) 2003-11-11
CN1531893A (en) 2004-09-29
EP1459656B1 (en) 2008-05-14
US6896624B2 (en) 2005-05-24
CN1302739C (en) 2007-03-07
EP1459656A1 (en) 2004-09-22

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